1954-1965 Baseball Cards Ranking

[filmmaker]

I would like to see all of the experts chime in to see how they would rank Baseball Cards made from the Big Manufacturers (Topps, Bowman) from 1954 through 1965. I didn't want to include 1952 as I feel that would be an obviously #1.

Out of the specified years, are there Iconic Issues? Ive heard people say 1956 Topps Set is Iconic and Highly Desired. Is the 1954 Bowman Set highly coveted as well? Do people like the 1955 Bowman issue?

In speaking of terms to high end PSA 9 & PSA 10 Vintage Cards of Hall of Famers

Thanks.

[Harliduck]

Any reason you chose to end at 1965? We have done this many times before, a fun exercise where I am sure most of us will change their mind routinely...but I can't do a list that leaves out 66, 67, and 69...three of the best years IMHO. And not everyone votes for 1952...

[filmmaker]

A Player that I collect has his final card in 1965 so thats why.
I would assume any early 1950's cards in high grade PSA 9 / 10 vintage would be better than 60's as they are just older and closer to the start of topps/bowman.

[kimo75]

1959 is my favorite set. I think I am in the minority in saying that the 1957 set is ugly.

[Lucas00]

Ranking bowman/topps 1954-1965 This would be my personal list favorite to least. And ill say a card from the set that I think is a great representation of the year. No rookies.

1961 topps- Hank Aaron
1957 topps- Mickey Mantle
1956 topps- Jackie Robinson
1954 topps- Yogi Berra
1958 topps- Willie Mays
1954 bowman- Duke Snider
1955 topps- Ted Williams
1965 topps- Pete Rose
1955 bowman- Ernie Banks
1962 topps- Red Schoendienst
1960 topps- Ed Mathews
1959 topps- Roberto Clemente
1963 topps- Sandy Koufax
1964 topps- Frank Robinson

Of course there are regional issues in this range as well that would all be near the top of my list.

[Casey2296]

With those parameters I would choose 56 Topps and 64 Topps.

[rats60]

My ranking would be
1965 Topps Sandy Koufax
1955 Topps Jackie Robinson
1957 Topps Ted Williams
1956 Topps Roberto Clemente
1963 Topps Willie Mays
1961 Topps Hank Aaron
1962 Topps Stan Musial
1959 Topps Frank Robinson
1958 Topps Pee Wee Reese
1964 Topps Bill Mazeroski
1960 Topps Eddie Mathews
1954 Bowman Bob Feller
1954 Topps Ed & John O'Brien
1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle

[filmmaker]

Great lists. I feel the 56 topps has a lot of love but didn't realize 57 topps did too. I see 55 bowman is last on one list and forgotten on another. I dont think people like the look of the old TV's and in the same case, 62 topps with the wood grain. Although 62 is growing on me.

[ALR-bishop]

Those TV sets may be "old" now but look up how many folks had a color TV in 1955....or how many TV shows you could see in colors. Plus those great umpires

[capt14k]

1955 Topps is definitely my favorite. Loaded with Rookies and Stars but it is missing Mantle. Not too large of a set making it possible to complete even in higher condition. Has short print high numbers. Love the horizontal card design. Cleaner looking than 1956 Topps.

1954 Bowman would be my #2. I like the painted pics. Also a reasonable size set to complete. Unfortunately it doesn't have many great rookies. However the stars are there including Mantle, but many are missing such as Aaron. Doesn't have the high number short print cards, but there are cards (most of them in the 129-160 range) that are really hard to find in high end condition centered. Also there are lots of variations some of which command a large premium for top condition, and others that just make it fun to collect.

#3 I would have to go with 1956 Topps. A lower end 1955, but with 50% more cards. Twice the number of Hall of famers, but even weaker rookie class than 1954 Bowman. Very similar to 1955, but just not quite as nice IMO.

#4 1959 Topps

# 5 1954 Topps


Out of the years 1954-1965 I like 1957 Topps the least.

1962 Topps baseball I'm not crazy about, but 1962 Topps football is one of my favorites.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by filmmaker

Great lists. I feel the 56 topps has a lot of love but didn't realize 57 topps did too. I see 55 bowman is last on one list and forgotten on another. I dont think people like the look of the old TV's and in the same case, 62 topps with the wood grain. Although 62 is growing on me.

62 Topps has some of the greatest imagery with horrible wood grain distraction.

[Bigdaddy]

On a per set ranking, today's list is:

1956T - beautiful set
1955T - another beautiful set
1965T - strong, crisp, bold photography... and pennants
1957T - great mix of closeups and poses
1954B - liked it more as I put it together
1962T - I don't mind the wood grain borders, and some great poses
1959T - especially like the multiplayer cards
1960T - good effort, though not great
1964T - some good photography, but a bit bland
1954T - I just can't reconcile color and b&w photos, also don't like the three sided white border
1955B - who wants umpires??
1961T - bland and too many headshots
1958T - don't like the solid color backgrounds
1963T - too much of primary colors and blockiness of layout

Things I like:

• A good mix of closeup and full body shots
• Special cards
• Photos with stadiums in the background

Things I don't like:

• Bold primary colors
• Too many head shots, especially without hats